During the Veterans Day program at Malad Elementary School last week, local Korean War veteran Gene Caldwell was unable to attend.  Some words of advice he wrote for the students at the school were read by his friend, Cinnaman Allen.  They were:

My name is Gene Caldwell. I am 93 years old, and I have lived in Malad most of my life. I have been here a long time.  My parents always encouraged me to go to college and get an education.  When I was in college, I received a letter from the Oneida County Draft Board, inviting me to join the Army.  I was a soldier during the Korean War. After the war, because of the GI Bill, I was able to finish college and become a civil engineer.   Here are 3 things all Americans need to remember.

Here is my first piece of advice:

1) Study hard in school. Try to continue your education at college or a trade school. Education helps you throughout your life.

I have always loved Malad. I have tried to give my time and efforts back to the community. I served on the City Council for 5 years, as a [County] Commissioner for 10 years, and in the American Legion Post #65 for 73 years. My wife and I volunteered for many committees.  Recently, I worked on a book about the Oneida County veterans with my wife, Kay, and Brent Bowen.  A copy is in your library. So this is my second piece of advice:

2) Give back to your community when you have a chance. Take an interest in what is going on around you. Volunteer.  Make a difference when you can. Appreciate the work and efforts of others.

I have always been very patriotic. Even today, seeing the flag makes me tear up. I am proud of my country. We have many opportunities in our country. The first president I voted for as a young man was Harry S. Truman.  Then I voted for Eisenhower because he was a military man, and I thought he’d be a good president. So here is my third piece of advice:

3) Always respect the flag and what it represents. VOTE in your elections. Take an interest in your school, local, state, and national government. Each person can make a difference.

Conclusion:

In many countries, citizens don’t have the opportunity to get a free education. They don’t have an opportunity to participate in their government. They are told what to do. We are very lucky to live where we do. I have been very lucky in my life to enjoy all these privileges of living here.